Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls

Ever wondered what happens when your favorite strawberry cheesecake meets warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls?
If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a soft, sweet roll with creamy cheesecake filling and a burst of juicy strawberries, you’re in for a real treat. This recipe combines everything you love about breakfast pastries and decadent desserts—without any fuss. Let’s break the rules of traditional baking and make something unforgettable: Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls.

What Makes Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls So Special?

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These rolls are the perfect blend of creamy and fruity. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these are filled with a rich cream cheese layer and real strawberry filling, then drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze. The flavor? Think fresh strawberry cheesecake wrapped in pillowy dough.

• Total Time: About 2 hours (including rising time)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Perfect for: Brunch, dessert, holidays, or even as a make-ahead weekend breakfast

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home baker, this recipe walks you through each step to ensure success.

Essential Ingredients (and Smart Substitutions)

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (or 1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Substitutions:

• Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
• Replace milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 1 ½ cups chopped strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water

Glaze (Optional but Highly Recommended):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Variations:

• Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries.
• Add a touch of cinnamon to the dough for a spiced version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
2. Add warm milk, melted butter, and the egg. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

1. In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Heat on medium until strawberries release juice (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture. Cook until thickened.
4. Let cool completely before using.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Set aside at room temperature.

Assembly Time

Let’s Build the Rolls:

1. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches).
2. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
3. Spoon the cooled strawberry mixture on top.
4. Gently roll the dough, starting from the long edge, into a tight log.
5. Slice into 12 even rolls and place in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Bake:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
• Let cool slightly before adding glaze.

Optional Glaze:

• Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl.
• Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temp: Keep covered at room temperature for 1–2 days.
• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked and cooled rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm in the oven before serving.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Let them come to room temp in the morning and bake.

Creative Recipe Variations

1. Lemon Berry Rolls: Add lemon zest to the dough and use a mixed berry filling.
2. Chocolate Strawberry Rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese before rolling.
3. Nutty Crunch: Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the strawberry layer for crunch.
4. Mini Sweet Rolls: Slice smaller pieces for bite-size treats—great for parties.
5. Cinnamon Strawberry Rolls: Add a light cinnamon-sugar layer under the cheesecake for a spiced twist.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls bring bakery-style comfort to your own kitchen. They’re indulgent but simple enough for anyone to make at home. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these rolls are guaranteed to impress. Once you try them, you might never go back to plain cinnamon rolls again.

Get creative with fillings, change up the fruit, or add your favorite toppings. Don’t be afraid to make it your own. These rolls are the kind of homemade treat that brings people together—warm, gooey, and bursting with flavor.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! You can use pre-made cinnamon roll dough or pizza dough if you’re short on time. Just add the cheesecake and strawberry layers before baking.

How do I make these rolls dairy-free?
Substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking in the morning.

Do I have to use fresh strawberries?
Nope! Frozen strawberries work just as well. Just cook them a bit longer when making the filling.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can cut back on sugar in both the cheesecake and strawberry filling without sacrificing flavor.

Is this recipe beginner-friendly?
Definitely. If you can measure ingredients and roll dough, you can make this recipe. Just follow each step, and you’ll get great results.